WTA to protect players' rankings during fertility treatments

The WTA, the governing body of women's tennis, is putting into place a rule that will protect a player's ranking should she choose to undergo a fertility procedure.

The Fertility Protection Special Entry Ranking Rule, as it is formally called, means players who need to take time off the tour for procedures such as egg or embryo freezing can do so without a risk to her ranking.

Under the rule, players ranked in the top 750 in the world and who miss at least 10 consecutive weeks of competition will be covered by the rule. It is similar to what the WTA offers to players coming back from pregnancy or a long-term injury.

"We understand that professional athletes can face a dilemma between focusing on their career and starting a family, and we are committed to supporting WTA players as they navigate and balance the choices associated with career and family," Portia Archer, WTA's chief executive officer, said in a news release. "After hearing from players that the option of fertility protection offers a proactive way to balance family goals and career ambitions, we're delighted that this new measure ... will contribute to enabling our athletes to realize their full potential and become parents at a time of their choice."

Players can use their Special Entry Ranking to enter up to three events in 10 weeks after returning from a procedure. It cannot be used at WTA 1000 events or in Grand Slam tournaments.

Sloane Stephens, an eight-time WTA winner, said the new provision is a tremendous benefit to players.

"I'm incredibly proud of our sport in recognizing the importance of fertility treatments for female athletes. For any woman, the conversation of family life versus a career is nuanced and complex," she said. "The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves. It's truly ground-breaking and will empower this generation, and future generations of players, to continue with the sport they love without having to compromise."

--Field Level Media